Research & studies
Baseline and endline studies, applied research, and impact, process and policy evaluations, using mixed methods.
Research, data & advisory · West Africa · since 2007
Data for impact in West Africa
From the field to the dashboard, CRAD builds the data, databases, monitoring and evaluation systems and projects that move sustainable-development policy forward, pairing the rigour of a world-class consultancy with first-hand knowledge of the ground in West Africa.
Trusted by:
World Bank · UNESCO · UNICEF · ECOWAS · Global Fund · ENABEL · UNDP
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years of expertise
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studies & research
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countries of operation
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multidisciplinary experts
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key sectors
Partners & funders who trust us
World BankUNESCOUNICEFECOWASGlobal FundENABELUNDPUSAIDGIZIDRCPlan International
Our purpose
No development policy is stronger than the data it rests on. Our work: helping West Africa produce, master and use its own data, to decide with full knowledge, act where it matters and gain sovereignty over its own figures.
Our expertise
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A complete value chain, from data to project
Far more than a polling institute: an applied research centre that designs, measures, structures, equips and trains, across the entire knowledge cycle for development.
Digital data collection
Real-time mobile surveys (ODK, KoboToolbox, CommCare, Survey Solutions), geolocated and secure, deployed at scale.
Sector databases
Design and roll-out of structured, durable databases by sector (health, agriculture, education, energy) to steer policy.
Monitoring, evaluation & training
Monitoring and evaluation systems, indicator frameworks and dashboards, with hands-on training of national teams.
Project design
Designing research and development projects, from concept note to fundable proposal, including the logical framework.
Data & visualisation
Advanced statistical analysis, composite indices and interactive dashboards that turn data into readable decisions.
Where we work
Five key sectors of sustainable development
In each one, CRAD has delivered concrete assignments for leading funders, and deploys data, databases and monitoring systems.
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Climate & sustainable energy
Climate finance, indices, energy transition. Ref.: WOCEWA project (CEREEC-ECOWAS).
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Agriculture & food security
Value chains, agricultural surveys, resilience. Ref.: cashew BeninCajù, pineapple PINEX (USDA).
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Public health
Surveillance, monitoring & evaluation, bio-behavioural research. Ref.: Global Fund, ENABEL.
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Education & human capital
Learning assessment, school governance, gender. Ref.: WiLL-AGREE (UNESCO-IIEP).
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Data & evaluation
Cross-cutting core: digital collection, databases, M&E, visualisation.
ExploreA specific need?
We design tailored data & research solutions for your projects and programmes.
Let's talk
Our approach
From field data to decision
An end-to-end value chain, backed by a fleet of field tablets, a network of 30+ consultants and best-in-class analytics tools.
Design & sampling
Indicator frameworks and mixed methods tailored to the local context and ethical standards.
Digital data collection
Real-time mobile surveys, reliable, geolocated and secure data.
Structuring & analysis
Databases, cleaning and statistical analysis (SPSS, Stata, R, CSPro) by seasoned experts.
Visualisation & decision
Interactive dashboards, reports and operational, impact-oriented recommendations.
Our regional footprint
From Dakar to Kinshasa, a partner that knows the field
Headquartered in Abomey-Calavi (Benin), CRAD mobilises a network of partners and consultants across West and Central Africa, able to deploy quickly on demanding terrain.
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countries in the network
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ECOWAS countries assessed
30+
consultants on call
BeninNigerMaliTogoBurkina FasoCôte d'IvoireSenegalGhanaNigeriaSierra LeoneLiberiaThe GambiaGuineaGuinea-BissauCabo VerdeCongoDRCCameroon
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A word from the Director
"Data is not an end in itself: it is the language of trust between those who decide and those for whom decisions are made."
When we founded CRAD in 2007, we were coming out of ten years of research at CEFORP, at the University of Abomey-Calavi. We held a simple conviction: no development policy is stronger than the data it rests on. Nearly twenty years on, that conviction has become a requirement, the requirement of a West Africa that produces, masters and uses its own data.
As a socio-anthropologist, I have learned that behind every figure there are women and men, schools, farms, health centres. That is why CRAD does not simply measure. We design databases, we build monitoring and evaluation systems, we train the national teams who will keep them alive, and we turn indicators into decisions. From the ECOWAS Vision 2020 to gender equality in energy, our ambition remains the same: to connect the rigour of research with first-hand knowledge of the ground in West Africa.
2007
founded
40+
studies led
12+
countries covered
Sall Moustapha GIBIGAYEManaging Director, CRAD
Flagship case study
When data shapes a regional policy
WOCEWA · CEREEC-ECOWAS · IDRC
Gender Equality Index in energy SMEs
For CEREEC/ECREEE, CRAD produced the first assessment of the Gender Equality Index across sustainable-energy SMEs in the 12 ECOWAS countries, a regional assignment of around USD 200,000: a census of 800 SMEs, a survey of 100 SMEs, a regional index (48.1/100) and a 2026-2030 action plan budgeted at USD 18.96M.
Visit the WOCEWA project site →
Insights
Our perspective on development through data
Analysis, methodological notes and field lessons, to share knowledge and inform the debate.
Climate & energy
Measuring gender equality in sustainable-energy firms
Lessons from the WOCEWA project for CEREEC-ECOWAS and pathways towards an inclusive energy transition.
Read the article →Data methods
Sector databases: the missing link in public policy
Why structuring and sustaining data is a game-changer for steering development in West Africa.
Read the article →Monitoring & evaluation
Building a monitoring and evaluation system that outlives the project
From indicator to dashboard: the keys to an owned and durable M&E system.
Read the article →A research, data or evaluation project?
Let's talk about your project. From methodological scoping to findings, one multidisciplinary team, mobilisable across West Africa.